CRITICS CHALLENGE
2006 WINE COMPETITION RESULTS

F - J

 

By winery:

A-E

F-J

K-P

 _
     
WINERY
AWARD
VINTAGE
WINE
APPELLATION
SUGG. RETAIL
 CRITICS' COMMENTS:
Falkner Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Sauvignon Blanc Estate Grown
Temecula
$14.95
Lots of mineral, lean and lemony. Austere in a good way. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Award 2004 Viognier
Temecula Valley
$14.95
Good fruity flavor. -- Ed McCarthy
       
 
 
  
Fallbrook Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Special Selection'
South Coast
$25.00
Earthy and exotic with a meaty, gamey bouquet leading to ripe expressive flavors. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakut Vineyard
South Coast
$18.00
Wonderfully concentrated fruit and well balanced. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2003 Merlot
California
 
 A smooth and well-made expression of berries. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard
Monterey
$20.00
PWL--People will love this easy-drinking wine. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Famiglia Bianchi    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza, Argentina
$17.99
An elegant and polished California cabernet. -- Nick Passmore
       
 
 
  
Fauna      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough, New Zealand
$12.00
Green, grassy aromas and fruitiness with bright acidity. -- Michael Franz
       
 
 
  
Fenestra Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2005 'Semonnay'
Livermore Valley
$14.50
Has an allure of spice from oak. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Award 2004 Malbec, Silvaspoons Vineyard
Lodi
$19.50
Ripe blueberry with good structure. -- Gerald Boyd
  Critics Gold 2003 Alvarelhao, Silvaspoons Vineyard
Lodi
$18.00
Juicy red berry flavors with unique spice and an almost salty mineral notes. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Gold 2003 Tempranillo, Silvaspoons Vineyard
Lodi
$19.50
Sweet fruit notes accent plush, lush New-World style. -- Leslie Sbrocco
       
 
 
  
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard  
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay, Ashley's Vineyard
Santa Rita Hills
$28.00
A spicy, fruit-driven style with a long finish. -- Leslie Sbrocco
       
 
 
  
Fetzer Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Shiraz 'Valley Oaks'
California
$8.99
Juicy and jammy and a joy to sip. Pair with pizza, burgers or burritos. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Award 2005 Gewurztraminer 'Valley Oaks'
California
$8.99
Delicious and well-balanced. -- Ed McCarthy
  Critics Award 2005 Riesling 'Valley Oaks'
California
$8.99
A touch of sweetness surrounded by minerality. -- Marguerite Thomas
       
 
 
  
Field Stone Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley
$24.00
A supple, velvety texture that is utterly compelling. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Staten Family Reserve
Alexander Valley
$40.00
Concentrated with strong tannins and a touch of toasty oak. Age-worthy. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2003 Merlot
Alexander Valley
$20.00
Soft and juicy fruit recalling dark berries and black plums with subtle oak accounts. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Award 2002 Petite Sirah Staten Family Reserve
Alexander Valley
$35.00
Sweet blackberry fruit followed by a kick of peppery spice. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2002 Sangiovese
North Coast
$18.00
Cherry soda aromas. Fresh, juicy, concentrated and lively--mildly tannic. -- Stephen Brook
  Critics Award 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
Alexander Valley
$16.00
A wonderful nose with power and length in the mouth. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
Firefly Ridge      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Merlot
Central Coast
$9.99
A lovely balance of perfectly ripe fruit and fine-grained tannins. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Gold 2003 Syrah
Central Coast
$9.99
Meaty, rich and full with silky tannins. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Central Coast
$9.99
Ripeness gives charm, acidity gives freshness. Drink with grilled fish. -- Stephen Brook
       
 
 
  
Firestone Vineyard    
 
 
  
  Critics Platinum 2003 Syrah
Santa Ynez Valley
$18.00
Smoky black fruit aromas--very plump. A majestic wine with depth and power. -- Stephen Brook
  Critics Award 2005 Riesling 'Vineyard Select'
Central Coast
$10.00
Sweetly appealing. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Award 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
Santa Ynez Valley
$18.00
Pretty grapefruit with citrus aromas. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
Fish Eye      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Shiraz
California
$14.99
A simple, well-balanced wine. -- Ed McCarthy
  Critics Platinum 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
California
$7.99
Spicy brown bread. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate. Sensuous. -- Patrick Comiskey
       
 
 
  
Five Rivers      
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Paso Robles
$9.99
Plush, dark berry and fine pepper. Good acidity. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Award 2003 Merlot
Central Coast
$9.99
Soft with plenty of ripe fruit. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir
Santa Barbara County
$12.99
Excellent value! Light bodied but full of genuine pinot flavor. -- Paul Lukacs
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Monterey County
$9.99
Fresh and unadorned, attractively simple. -- Jordan Mackey
  Critics Award 2005 Pinot Grigio
Monterey County
$9.99
Spritely and bursting with energy. -- Jordan Mackay
       
 
 
  
Flora Springs    
 
 
  
  Best of Show Red 2003 'Trilogy'
Napa Valley
$60.00
Multi-layered and smooth but well structured. Bravo!
  Critics Platinum 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
$30.00
Rich fruit balanced by earthy complexity. -- Nick Passmore
  Critics Award 2003 Merlot
Napa Valley
$24.99
Juicy, open black cherry fruit with subtle oak edging. -- Michael Franz
       
 
 
  
Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery  
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa
Santa Rita Hills
$34.00
Sweet notes of bright bing cherries are ripe and focused with spice accents. -- Michael Franz
       
 
 
  
Folie A Deux Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 'Menage a Trois'
California
$9.60
Fruity and easy drinking. -- Gerald Boyd
       
 
 
  
Fontana Candida    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Frascati 'Superiore'
Lazio, Italy
$7.99
A good summer quaffer. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
Forest Glen      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Sonoma Reserve'
Sonoma County
$19.99
Youthful and taut, it shows good potential for cellaring. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Oak Barrel Selection'
California
$9.99
Softly textured and brimming with fresh fruit--a drink-now style. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2004 Merlot 'Oak Barrel Fermented'
California
$9.99
Red fruit and fine pepper; a simple wine that is well-done. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Award 2005 White Zinfandel 'Forest Fire'
California
$8.99
Juicy, pure flavors and strawberries and red cherries. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Gold 2005 White Merlot 'Forest Fire'
California
$8.99
Lovely strawberry fruit. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2003 Shiraz 'Oak Barrell Selection'
California
$9.99
Delicious now and should improve in the cellar. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2002 Chardonnay 'Sonoma Reserve'
Sonoma County
$14.99
Clean as a whistle--a cool quaff. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay 'Oak Barrel Fermented'
California
$9.99
Good apple and pear fruit and well-balanced. -- Ed McCarthy
       
 
 
  
Forestville Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Sonoma Reserve'
Alexander Valley
$12.99
An amazing value in this price range--jazzy and complex. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Fra. Guerau      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2002 'Red Wine'
Montsant, Spain
$12.00
Plenty of vibrant cherry fruit. Not subtle but has vigor. -- Stephen Brooks
       
 
 
  
Frank Phelan    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2001 Saint-Estephe
Bordeaux, France
$31.00
Clear Bordeaux character with vibrant red berry underlined by lots of earth. -- Jamal Rayyis
       
 
 
  
Gala Rouge      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir, Bon Vivant Vineyards
Languegoc, France
$9.99
Fresh berry fruit flavos jump from the glass. Quaffable. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay, Bon Vivant Vineyards
Languegoc, France
$9.99
Hints of aromatic spices. -- Nick Passmore
       
 
 
  
Gallo Family Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Sonoma County
$15.00
Seductive and ripe herbal flavors. -- Michael Apstein
  Critics Award NV Cabernet Sauvignon, Twin Valley
California
$4.99
Attractive fruit flavors and aromas. -- Ed McCarthy
  Critics Award 2003 Merlot Reserve
Sonoma County
$13.00
Generous amounts of sweet fruit. -- Marguerite Thomas
  Critics Award NV Merlot, Twin Valley
California
$4.99
Lush and luxurious--excellent value. -- Paul Lukacs
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir Reserve
Sonoma County
$15.00
Bright, ripe and pure. -- Michael Apstein
  Critics Award NV White Zinfandel, Twin Valley
California
$4.99
Pretty red fruit with a clean finish. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award NV White Merlot, Twin Valley
California
$4.99
Round and soft in texture with nice red cherry fruit. -- Michael Franz
  Critics Gold 2003 Syrah
Sonoma County
$13.00
India ink aromas with a touch smoke--creamy, ripe balanced flavors with gentle tannins. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Award NV Shiraz, Twin Valley Vineyards
California
$4.99
Ripe, fruity and quite delicious. -- Ed McCarthy
  Critics Gold 2004 Zinfandel Reserve
Sonoma County
$13.00
A throw back to days gone by..earthy, briary, wild berry notes with rustic elegance. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay Reserve
Sonoma County
$13.00
Juicy fresh and round, an ideal aperitif. A crowd-pleaser. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Award NV Chardonnay, Twin Valley
California
$4.99
Lean and lovely with welcomed minerality and a fresh taste. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Award NV 'Cafe Chardonnay'
California
$4.99
Light and lively. Perfect for spicy Thai curry. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Gallo Of Sonoma    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Barrelli Creek Vineyard
Alexander Valley
$32.00
Smoke a cigar after dinner with this tobacco and cassis-powered wine. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
 
  
Gann Family Cellars    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2004 Sauvignon Blanc, Spring Hill Vineyard
Alexander Valley
$18.00
Stylish and elegant, a very complete sauvignon blanc. -- Robert Whitley
       
 
 
  
Geyser Peak Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Platinum 2002 'Meritage' Reserve Alexandre
Alexander Valley
$49.00
Plush, velvet. Beautifully balanced array of ripe black cherry, mineral and spice. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Award 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley
$18.00
Herbal, smooth and velvety. Easy drinking. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Platinum 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Block Collection', Kuimelis Vineyard
Alexander Valley
$46.00
Stunner! Rich, black fruit and licorice notes with a touch of herbal complexity. Drink now. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Block Collection', Ascentia Estate Vineyard
Alexander Valley
$46.00
Huge wine! Ultra ripe, masculine. A studly sipper. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Alexander Valley
$46.00
Black licorice, blackberry jam concentration softened with smooth tannins and velvety texture. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay
Alexander Valley
$13.00
Spicy, smooth and easy-sipping. Pull up a pool chair and relax. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2005 Sauvignon Blanc 'Block Collection', River Road Ranch
Russian River Valley
$21.00
Crisp citrus fruit with interesting grassy complexities and a bright focused finish. -- Michael Franz
       
 
 
  
Glen Ellen      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
California
$14.99
Straight-forward, honest and clean. -- Ed McCarthy
       
 
 
  
Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves  
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2002 Merlot
Carneros
$19.00
Lovely notes of ripe plum and currants. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2002 Pinot Noir 'Jose S. Ferrer'
Carneros
$35.00
Cola and black pepper aromas. A refreshingly dry and terse palate with a creamy mid-palate. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Gold NV Blanc de Noirs
Sonoma County
$18.00
Light in color with rose petal aromas and grapefruit and strawberry freshness. A delicate delight. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold NV 'Sonoma Brut'
Sonoma County
$18.00
Elegance in a glass and at such a great price. Long and balanced. -- Linda Muphy
  Critics Award 1996 'Royal Cuvee'
Carneros
$28.00
Elegant floral, delicate character wraps around a taut vibrant center. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Platinum 1996 'Carneros Cuvee'
Carneros
$50.00
Everything in balance; a beautiful wine that deserves great praise. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Award 2003 Chardonnay
Carneros
$18.00
Buttery aromas, nutty flavors, Upfront fruit. Drink soon. -- Stephen Brook
       
 
 
  
Gnarly Head Cellars    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Old Vine Zinfandel
Lodi
 
 Lots of sweet, briary fruit. -- Marguerite Thomas
       
 
 
  
Godwin Family Vineyards    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay 'Floral Clone'
Russian River Valley
$30.00
Pear-like nose with fresh pear compote on the palate with a flinty finish. -- Patrick Comiskey
       
 
 
  
Green Point      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Chardonnay
Yarra Valley, Australia
$13.00
Classic butter and golden apple. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Gold 2003 Chardonnay Reserve
Yarra Valley, Australia
$27.00
Generous and lightly oaked fresh fruit. Charming and cleanly made. -- Patrick Comiskey
       
 
 
  
Grove Street Winery    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley
$18.00
A potent and deeply concentrated tooth stainer. -- Jordan Mackay
       
 
 
  
Hahn Estates    
 
 
  
  Critics Gold 2004 'Meritage'
Central Coast
$20.00
Gorgeous fruit with outstanding notes of spice and red berries. -- Robert Whitley
  Critics Gold 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Central Coast
$14.00
Cocoa and black spice with generous fruit flavors. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Gold 2004 Merlot
Monterey
$14.00
Delicious cherry with slight cola and suave tannins. -- Jamal Rayyis
  Critics Award 2004 Syrah
Central Coast
$14.00
Quite delicious with great fruit. -- Ed McCarthy
  Critics Gold 2004 Chardonnay
Monterey
$14.00
Peach syrup aroma. Volupuous and silky with a luxurious feel to it. -- Stephen Brook
       
 
 
  
Handley Cellars    
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2004 Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley
$28.00
Juicy, friendly and casual wine that would be perfect for sipping with barbecue fare. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Platinum 2003 Syrah
Mendocino
$20.00
Generous olive and dark fruit--very savory and dark on the palate; syrupy rich and long. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Gold 2000 'Brut'
Anderson Valley
$32.00
An elegant wine of clean pear fruit flavors and good length. -- Patrick Comiskey
  Critics Award 2004 Chardonnay, Handley Vineyard
Dry Creek Valley
$19.00
A balanced and restrained style that's ideal for cocktail hour. -- Leslie Sbrocco
  Critics Gold 2005 Gewurztraminer
Anderson Valley
$16.00
Exuberant flavors and spice backed by green apple and lemon. -- Jamal Rayyis
       
 
 
  
Harmonique      
 
 
  
  Critics Award 2003 Pinot Noir 'The Noble One'
Anderson Valley
$48.00
Aromatic, fresh, ripe and firm--should age nicely. -- Linda Murphy
  Critics Platinum 2003 Pinot Noir 'Delicace'
Anderson Valley
$53.00
Pretty and elegant with beautiful clarity. Supple tannins and spice. -- Linda Murphy
       
 
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